WINDHAM SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT DISTRICT (WSWMD)
BRATTLEBORO, VERMONT
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MEETING
MINUTES OF OCTOBER 12, 2017
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Michelle Cherrier, Chair, Dummerston, Jan Ameen, Vice Chair, Westminster; Lester Dunklee, Dummerston; Cheryl Franklin, Guilford; Lewis Sumner, Halifax; Judy Flower, Jamaica; Stillman Vonderhorst, Marlboro; Shannon Meckle, Newfane; Dan Toomey, Putney; James Damato, Readsboro; Irvin Stowell, Townshend; Tim Franklin, Vernon; Nancy Meinhard, Wardsboro; and Merrill Mundell, Wilmington.
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: John Allen and Brandie Starr, Brattleboro; David Jones, Brookline; Thomas Baltrus and Kevin Stein, Dover; Sheila Morse, Guilford; Cara Cheyette, Halifax; Andy Coyne, Jamaica; Tony Gordon, Marlboro; Gig Zboray, Readsboro and Whitingham; Albert Dupell, Stratton; Dale West, Townshend; Emily Vergobbe, Vernon; and Tom Consolino, Wilmington.
WSWMD STAFF PRESENT: Robert Spencer, Executive Director, Kristen Benoit, Program Coordinator/District Clerk; and Dale Bessette, Scalehouse Attendant/Truck Driver.
OTHERS PRESENT: None
Ms. Cherrier called the Meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.
- 1)Changes to the Agenda: The Board agreed to add following Agenda item:
- Consider Whitingham Termination Agreement.
2) Discuss Election of Treasurer: There were no volunteers for Treasurer at this time.
3) Approval of Minutes – September 14, 2017 – Motion made, seconded, and carried to accept the minutes of September 14, 2017. There were two abstentions
4a) Approval of Check Register – September 2017: Mr. Spencer reported on various expenditures on the Check Register.
Motion made, seconded, and carried to approve the September Check Register. There was 1 abstention.
4b) Consider Termination Agreement for Whitingham Withdrawal: The Board reviewed and discussed the Agreement: Termination of Whitingham from Windham Solid Waste Management District. The Board requested changes in language to the document.
Motion made, seconded, and carried to accept the Agreement: Termination of Whitingham from Windham Solid Waste Management District with the proposed changes.
5) Financial Report Review – September 2017: The Board of Supervisors reviewed and discussed the September Financial Report.
Motion made, seconded, and carried to accept the September Financial Report.
6) Program Coordinator’s Report:Ms. Benoit reported on various programs including radio ads, selectboard newsletter, new recycling flyers for the Town of Wilmington, upcoming household hazardous waste collection, and SWIP requirements.
7) Executive Director’s Report:Mr. Spencer reported on WSWMD new winter hours, a pilot program with Putney Road Redemption Center to separate redeemable bottles and cans, Project C.O.W. Trademark, rise in tipping fees for single stream recycling, drop in commodity prices for cardboard, and Dover’s public hearing to withdraw from WSWMD.
8) Solar Project Update:Mr. Spencer reported on updates with the solar project.
10) WSWMD Compost Facility Presentation: Mr. Spencer gave a power point presentation to the Board on WSWMD compost facility operations, compost sales/markets, and the potential benefits of investing in a loader, mixer, and screen. Mr. Spencer noted a mixer would be the most beneficial improvement to the composting operation.
11) Discuss USDA Loan & Grant: Mr. Spencer informed the Board of a grant and loan opportunity offered through the USDA which would allow WSWMD to purchase a mixer for the composting facility operations. Mr. Spencer noted the grant would pay 35% of the cost of the equipment.
12) Consider Sale of WSWMD Unused Assets: Mr. Spencer confirmed that TAM Waste Management purchased the single cage mill glass crusher with accessory parts, trommel screen, 2 conveyor belts, and 2 30-cubic yard roll-off containers. Mr. Spencer stated several companies are interested in purchasing one of the District’s two roll-off trucks and suggested WSWMD put one of the trucks out for bid. The Board discussed truck repairs and suggested a three-year analysis of truck repairs be developed to determine which truck should be sold. The Board agreed the bid should contain the following language “WSWMD reserves the right to reject any and all bids.”
13) Rejoining fees for Towns that Withdraw: Mr. Mundell informed the Board the Finance Committee discussed rejoining fees for towns that withdraw from the District. Mr. Mundell stated the Finance Committee considered both a flat fee, a percentage of the town’s proposed assessment, and a combination of both flat fee and percentage. The Board discussed various rejoining fees. The Board requested the staff provide an analysis showing each town’s current assessment and rejoining costs using a percentage of the town’s proposed assessment, and a combination of both flat fee and percentage. The Board agreed to continue the discussion of rejoining fees at the November Meeting.
14) Executive Session (if needed): None
15) Other Business as Legally Allowed: None
16) Adjournment: Motion made, seconded and carried to adjourn the meeting:The meeting was adjourned at 9:05 p.m.
Kristen Benoit
Program Coordinator/District Clerk